David Binnie reappointed as Carer Representative for the IJB.
We are delighted to announce that David Binnie has been appointed as the Carers Representative of the Integration Joint Board (IJB) for East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
David has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of caring, both as an unpaid carer for 30 years and as a former Director and Chair of Carers of East Lothian, a local charity that supports carers in the area. He also served as a Director and Vice Chair of Couple Counselling Lothian, a service that provides relationship counselling and support.
David is passionate about social justice and the rights and wellbeing of unpaid carers, who make a huge contribution to the health and social care system. He said:
“Being an unpaid carer is one of the most challenging roles in life. It demands commitment, resilience, sacrifice and love amongst many, many other things. We find ourselves dealing with challenges and stresses that we’d never previously imagined. Through the IJBs directions, support has been given to a wide range of advice and practical support services to unpaid carers. I’m pleased to have been invited to continue to highlight the profile of unpaid carers and the immense contribution that they make. I want to support the voice of unpaid carers across East Lothian being heard at the IJB and help aid services being shaped to meet their needs and priorities.”
Councillor Shamin Akhtar, Cabinet Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, welcomed David’s appointment and praised his work. She said:
“It’s great news that David has been appointed to this role as he has been making a really valuable contribution in raising awareness of the issues impacting on carers and HSCP services. Unpaid carers play a vital role in how social care is provided and their dedication and expertise cannot be overstated. His appointment means that the IJB will continue to benefit from his experience and knowledge and I’m delighted that he has been appointed.”
David’s role as the Carers Representative is to ensure that the views and interests of unpaid carers are taken into account by the IJB, which is responsible for planning, resourcing and overseeing the delivery of integrated health and social care services in East Lothian. He will also work closely with other IJB members, HSCP staff and partner organisations to promote and improve the support available for carers.
We are very pleased to have David on board and look forward to working with him to make a positive difference for carers and the people they care for in East Lothian.